Chiefs of Ontario Raises Concerns Regarding Provincial Proposal to Allow Mining Project Proponents to Take Water Without Permit

Press Release

(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 10, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario has released the following statement regarding the provincial government’s recent proposal to remove the requirement for mining companies to get permits to use water in early exploration phases:

“We’re deeply concerned with the approach that this government is taking in response to economic threats from abroad,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We’ve been very clear on this issue: we are not opposed to development, but any development that occurs must be done in a way that protects our lands and waters and recognizes and respects our inherent and Treaty rights, including the right to free, prior and informed consent on matters that affect those rights.”

The proposed changes to the Water Resources Act follow the passing of Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, earlier this year, and the province’s Critical Mineral Strategy to make it easier to extract resources from Ontario lands at the expense of environmental protections.

In its posting on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO), the province says it will exempt mining proponents from applying for water-use permits “for certain low-risk early exploration activities and aspects of advanced exploration projects.”

“The province is required by law to consult with First Nations on any regulatory changes that impact Aboriginal and Treaty rights,” said Ontario Regional Chief Benedict. “Ontario providing the tools to exempt companies from safeguards that are in place to protect those rights should trigger the duty to consult alone.”

“Postings on the ERO are not consultation. The public proposal does not indicate when and how First Nations will be involved in this process. It feels like Groundhog Day each time these proposals land on our desks because the same issues keep coming up. All we want is for the government to listen to us and work with us.”

The proposal outlines specific criteria for lakes, ponds and streams that it says will ensure environmental protections remain in place.

“These protections are in place for a reason. We’ve seen how extractive industries can devastate the areas they work in and push an ecosystem to its breaking point. Ontario likes to present itself as a leader in environmental stewardship, so it doesn’t make sense to backslide at a time when the entire world is trying to undue decades of industrial harm,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, who also holds the environment portfolio for the Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council.

The removal of these permit requirements also entirely overlooks the cultural value that water has for First Nations to undertake ceremony, and will undoubtedly impact traditional practices and responsibilities such as hunting, fishing, and being stewards of the land.

“If this proposal passes, it will remove a key form of accountability and security, not just for First Nations but for everyone in this province.”

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt, Communications Manager

Chiefs of Ontario

Telephone: 416-819-8184

Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

Declan Keogh, Strategic Advocacy Manager

Chiefs of Ontario

Mobile: (514) 519-5375

Email: declan.keogh@coo.org

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